The findings will inform advice on who should be targeted for vaccination from 2027/28 onwards
The health regulator has begun work on a health technology assessment (HTA) to inform COVID-19 vaccination policy in Ireland.
The assessment will estimate the burden of disease associated with COVID-19 in Ireland and the economic implications associated with various potential vaccination strategies to control the virus.
The findings will inform HIQA’s advice on who should be targeted for COVID vaccination from 2027/28 onwards.
“It has been more than six years since the discovery of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. During this time, we have witnessed the evolution of the virus, the development of different vaccines to protect against severe disease and changes in how COVID-19 impacts our daily lives,” said HIQA’s deputy director of HTA Dr Patricia Harrington.
“The severity of COVID-19 disease has declined over time due to changes in the virus and the establishment of population level immunity through vaccination and prior infection.
“However older adults and those living with immunocompromise or with certain underlying medical conditions continue to be at increased risk of hospitalisation and severe disease. Within this context, this HTA will examine the potential impacts of changes to COVID-19 vaccination policy in Ireland.”
This HTA begins after the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) published COVID-19 vaccination recommendations in May 2025. These include calls for twice yearly vaccination any aged 80 and over, all other adults living in long-term care facilities for older people, and anyone over six months of age who are immunocompromised.
Once-yearly vaccination is also recommended for anyone aged 60-79, and all others aged over six months with conditions associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation, severe disease or death.
Health and social care workers, and pregnant women should have access to annual vaccination, according to the NIAC recommendations. Antigenically updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are the preferred vaccine for use, but protein-based inoculations may be used as alternatives in those for whom an mRNA vaccine is contraindicated or declined. Nuvaxovid (antigenically updated) is the preferred alternate.
These standing recommendations replace previous interim recommendations and reflect changes in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, from a pandemic to an endemic phase.
A draft report of the HTA will be made available for public consultation prior to being finalised and submitted as advice to inform decision-making by the Minister for Health and the HSE.
An Irish Medical Times analysis found that the level of COVID-19 infection last winter remained similar to the previous year, with 4,322 cases reported in Ireland between September 28 and the end of February.
On a per capita basis, Westmeath reported the highest rate of infection, while Laois had the lowest rate.